Civil Discourse at Writing and Social Justice Conference
The second breakout session for the Writing and Social Justice Conference at Salt Lake Community College’s South City Campus on April 9, 2012 featured students presenting their thoughts on “Doing Democracy: Inclusive Civil Discourse.”
Presenters included Samantha Newton who explored the civil discourse on the internet and the link between parents’ and children’s behaviors, Billy Walker who explored social justice and democracy and Brittany Carlson who talked about how writing has shaped democracy.
“If we are willing to admit when we are wrong, that is helping us to be more civil with each other,” says Newton.
Newton said that seven comments had to be deleted out of about 130 on a recent story at KSL.com because they were deemed abusive.
Walker suggested that people get out of their comfort zones and “make inclusive civil discourse the new paradigm.” People are not a part of the majority or the minority; they are human.
“We need to use our actions and our words to make our whole voice known,” says Walker.
Carlson cited the Declaration of Independence as one of the most influential documents in U.S. History. She also noted how song writing has helped to change the world, especially folk songs like “Blowing in the Wind.”
“Writing is our most powerful tool,” says Carlson.
This article originally appeared at examiner.com.
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Presenters included Samantha Newton who explored the civil discourse on the internet and the link between parents’ and children’s behaviors, Billy Walker who explored social justice and democracy and Brittany Carlson who talked about how writing has shaped democracy.
“If we are willing to admit when we are wrong, that is helping us to be more civil with each other,” says Newton.
Newton said that seven comments had to be deleted out of about 130 on a recent story at KSL.com because they were deemed abusive.
Walker suggested that people get out of their comfort zones and “make inclusive civil discourse the new paradigm.” People are not a part of the majority or the minority; they are human.
“We need to use our actions and our words to make our whole voice known,” says Walker.
Carlson cited the Declaration of Independence as one of the most influential documents in U.S. History. She also noted how song writing has helped to change the world, especially folk songs like “Blowing in the Wind.”
“Writing is our most powerful tool,” says Carlson.
This article originally appeared at examiner.com.
Read about the Writing and Social Justice Conference pt 1
Journalist talks Islam and Christianity